Glamping Gone Overland

The word “safari” conjures images of adventurous sun-drenched days on the African savanna followed by warm evenings spent telling tall tales over fine food and wine by torchlight. It’s the original glamping, and a safari at its imagined best is an expedition that advances to a new location each evening, making the journey and destination one. Today the discerning glamper can take advantage of this style of travel in Africa and beyond, all part of a growing trend commonly referred to as overlanding.

Ciquibul Forest BZE

One company that offers the overlanding travel experience is No Limit Expeditions. Operated by James and Angela Brown of Colorado (now based in Guatemala), No Limit offers several exotic glamping expeditions that employ the classic safari vehicle, the Land Rover Defender, taking glampers to far flung destinations otherwise unreachable, and spare no effort in providing all the trappings of glamorous camping.

CAMP UAX 2

Expeditions typically begin in a luxury lodge (such as one of Coppola’s fine Central American resorts like La Lancha, Blancaneaux, or Turtle Inn), then take clients deep into the jungle on trips such as “Rainforests & Ruins,” where No Limit sets the scene at a gloriously secluded Maya ruin, where travelers imbibe on exquisite wines and dine on gourmet victuals. James is both a trained chef and sommelier, and after clients enjoy their feast amid the ruins, they may play the role of raconteur while enjoying a hand rolled cigar (personally blended by James himself). “It’s fantastic to sit in the jungle drinking this really nice aged rum while smoking a premium hand rolled cigar,” Angela relates. When slumber calls, travelers retire to a South African safari tent replete with the comforts afforded a British nobleman gone far afield.

Campmore tent

The Browns have seen their business expand with the outfitting of additional Land Rovers, and the addition of Lesotho-native Graham Jackson as a guide.  They’ve branched out to include new destinations (Baja California and Expedition Africa), and a new excursion to stretch the imagination of the glamper- an amazing island-hopping sailing voyage, “Rainforest and Reef,” blending land and sea exploration. “Glamping goes with our travel philosophy,” says Angela. “We like to go to these far, out of the way places, but we want to be able to do it in a nice style. Not roughing it- we want to bring the finer aspects with us along the journey.”

Deck @ La Lancha 2

Its expedition companies like this that get you to places that you could otherwise not reach, and treat you like royalty when you get there. Having an amazing Maya ruin or Caribbean island all to yourself? Now that’s adventure and luxury. Now that’s glamping.

PHOTO CREDITS: All photos courtesy of Ben Edmonson except  “Deck @ La Lancha” photo, courtesy Kerry Devine.

Glamping Among Mayan Ruins

La Lancha is a glamping destination a world away from the norm. The rainforest setting and nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal give La Lancha a unique and wonderful atmosphere. The pace of life slows down here – it’s an ideal destination where you can’t help but be present in the moment. Let the pace of life really slow down as you explore the Petén region. La Lancha is a charming 10-room lodge and rainforest casitas hidden away in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá. La Lancha is part of the Coppola Resorts family of hotels and resorts. The lodge and rooms are decorated with art and furniture from Bali. Relax and slow down, La Lancha is a refuge from hectic life.

casita

The casitas give excellent views of the the lake and rainforest and feature a queen-size bed. You’ll want to take time to relax in the hammock on the covered deck, and maybe take an afternoon nap. Visits from friendly howler monkeys right up to the edge of the deck leave no question of the natural surroundings.

deck

Tikal is the epicenter of Mayan spirituality and the most striking visual sight while staying at La Lancha. Five monolithic temples rise above the jungle canopy. Buried deep in the rainforest are the ruins of more than 3,000 structures. It’s the small details like the moss clinging to the steps of ancient temples and plazas that make you feel like a true adventurer. The temples and ball courts tell the story of a rich and powerful empire and is considered an archaeological wonder of the Americas.

room

A short distance from La Lancha, the Lago Petén Itzá can be explored by boat. In the lakeside communities of San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Flores you can walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops featuring local arts and crafts. Other highlights include a museum with Mayan artifacts and a very prominent cathedral.

La Lancha features an open-air restaurant situated under the main lodge’s thatched roof. Enjoy a meal and the spectacular views of the rainforest and Lago Petén Itzá. The parakeets and other wildlife provide the background ambience. The menu includes authentic Guatemalan dishes like Chilaquiles and Suban Ik. The rooftop bar serves Guatemalan rum and Belize-brewed beer – it’s a great place to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Learn more about La Lancha.